Compare and contrast Shinto and Buddhism in Japanese Culture.?

Trying to find out the differences between these two religious movements/ religions, and why/if one was more popular of the other; why that was, and how that shaped Japanese culture.

Oh Bryan, why did you wait so long to do your homework?

Both still exist, and both are still practiced.

Go look up Yoko.

It's a big ole melting pot... many people use concepts of both in Japan. It's usually only ones who directly declare themselves Buddhist or Shinto, SOLELY are hard to find.

_()_

I think Shinto was existent in Japan before the advent of Buddhism.

Shinto involves Nature- and Deity-worship, whereas Buddhism is more of a lifestyle / philosophy with a 'Soteriology' (theory of Salvation), which I think is markedly absent in Shintoism.

The Goal of Shinto is, I think birth as a deity; whereas in Buddhism it is Nirvaana: Enlightenment: complete release from the round of Rebirth.

As Vinslave says, it has probably become a bit of a melting pot, since.

Buddhism embraces the worship of deities for worldly welfare, although spiritually one is deemed ones own Savior via the Noble Eightfold Path.

Thanks for an interesting Question. : )

Best Wishes,

Goodfella